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Mercedes Benz M-Class ML320 CDI

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Live in Hi Desert where temps drop to low teens & single digits, read recently that low sulfur diesel fuel can "gel" at low temps, wondering if a) anyone has experienced something like this b) availability of this low sulfur diesel fuel, Plenty of Chevron stations here, do they carry it??thanks to alldyoung46

ULSD is number 2 diesel. It is good down to about zero. Most cold areas blend in number 1 diesel (kerosene) when it is very cold to prevent gelling. 100% Biodiesel can gel at a much higher temp. It depends on the source. I would mix it with number 2 diesel anytime you are in the freezing range. Most all stations are required to sell ULSD or post if they do not have it. To be sure you can use additives that prevent gelling.

Just picked up an 07 ML320CDI and noticed an occasional sulfer smell and it stung my eyes....this happened at traffic lights and while idling in my driveway. Not brutal but enough to notice. What is odd is that the demo I drove showed no signs of this - I even stood behind it while it was running just to make sure. Mine is brand new, 42 miles on it. MB Customer service said that should not be, as the person I spoke to had the same model, maybe the dealer made an error and filled the tank with the wrong type of diesel.

Anyway...have any of you noticed this with the new CDIs? Does it improve over time?

I'm going to service just to be sure. Otherwise I am impressed with the drive ability of these Diesels. Over 20mpg on the computer and it is not nearly broken in yet.

4000+ miles on mine and no sulfur smell on mine either. Sounds like your dealer may have done your initial fill with LSD and not ULSD.

Best get that on record with MBUSA, as they very specifically state that the use of non-ULSD will result in no warranty coverage. Too much sulfur hurts the particle filter, and that puppy is about $3,000.

I ordered my ML 320 CDI about 7 weeks ago and am eager for its arrival. I have always gone for reliability when buying cars (TOYOTA AND LEXUS MOSTLY) and was disturbed to read the most recent issue of Consumer Reports which rated Mercedes at the BOTTOM of the list, even lower than Range Rover for crying-out-loud, in reliability. I am interested in your experiences with the M Class and Mercedes in general as Consumer Reports seems to consistently give MB and F. I buy new and keep forever and I though what better vehicle than a Mercedes Diesel (who know diesel better).

I have been monitoring the message boards about the reliability of Mercedes as I am interested in buying a GL320 CDI. So far it seems to be a mixed bag. Some issues around the airmatic suspension and more recently a hose on the turbo coming off causing the truck to go into limp mode. Otherwise seems fine. It's hard to say for sure if mercedes has improved until after a few model years.

I am interested in the diesel engine except for the the times that I will fill the tank! I used to carry a glove in my old diesel SUV, but it didn't take long to have to buy another glove. Is a glove still a necessary 'extra' in the new ML320 CDI or is there a better way?

I stepped into a puddle of diesel while in Europe and the smell stayed with me for couple days. I enjoyed driving the car (BMW 525D), but boy I that smell gave me a headache. And Europe has been using low-sulfur diesel.

I current have a Jeep CRD Liberty and love it and am looking for either the ML 320 or the new Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD.Does anybody know the 3.0 diesel is a CCV (Closed Crake Case Ventilation) engine? Does anybody know if the 3.0 diesel has an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve?Can someone look in their owner&#146;s manual and see what the severe duty maintenance schedule is for:Engine Oil ChangeAir Cleaner ChangeDifferentials oil changeTransfer case oil changeFuel Filter Change

I have read on other forums that it is difficult and expensive to change out a fuel filter on the CDI. I am familiar with other diesels but not Mercedes. In a cold climate , 0 or below temp, it is not uncommon to see diesel cars and trucks on the side of the road with gelled fuel and the operator changing filters. On most cars and trucks it is easy to change but sounds like the CDI needs to go to the shop. Does Mercedes diesels not have this problem with fuel filters?? Thanks

I am no export on diesels but I do have an 07 ML320CDI and have driven it in the winter. Never had a problem even with temps 0 and below, starts right up the first time as well. I am also sure it depends on the type of fuel one uses, I stick to name brands. This is my firs diesel and am pleased with the drive-ability. I do notice during winter the exhaust has a different smell, like clorox. Maybe this is the additive fuel stations use during winter to prevent gelling.

Thanks for your reply and information. It is amazing you have no troubles with the cold weather. I run several over the road trucks and we have some troubles and fuel only where we have good fuel. We run both cummins and cat engines. Evidently Mercedes has it figured out. I will be looking closely at the M class diesel.

Yeah, I'm pleased, so far so good with cold starts (this is my first diesel). That was one of the things I was worried about, hearing about glow plugs and such. But this 320CDI at most, on really cold mornings, takes a second to start, you barely have time to catch the glow plug indicator when the ignition system says go and starts immediately - it has started right up first time each time so far and runs smooth and quickly becomes quiet. Surprises quite a few folks that have diesels. Typical MB, turn the key and let go, the ignition system does the rest. During warmer seasons there is no delay at all that I can detect.

so far my best mileage on the highway was 29mpg steady - not bad at all for a 5000 pound square. Got 26mpg with a fully loaded cargo area doing 80 plus on a 5hr trip the other month. Impressive. I have almost 7K on it to date.

I had a 2000 ML320 (not diesel) with a similar color scheme - desert silver and java. Nice combo indeed on both.

My 07 ML320 CDI is silver with black interior. I liked the black a bit better due to the large expanses of plastic on the dash in this model. The plastic is not of terrible quality but the black just looked higher quality, less like...well...plastic. But I do like this diesel and if all goes well my next SUV will also be a diesel. It just works.